Looking to complete your London trip? There’s no better way to do it than to watch a spectacular musical. Well, not specifically ONE because you’ll be surprised how many performances the West End has for you!
From the classics like Les Misérables to short-running and modern shows, you’ll be overwhelmed with what to catch, especially if you have a limited time.
Save your time and let this roundup be your guide. We’ve listed the must-see musicals in London that’ll complete your West End trip and leave you hanging with WOW!
Les Misérables
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Website: https://www.sondheimtheatre.co.uk/
Where to watch: Sondheim Theatre
Address: 51 Shaftesbury Ave
Contact Details: +443444825151
Ticket Price: Starts from £50
Les Misérables is a 2-hour and 50-minute musical that you can finally tick off on your list! It’s an award-winning musical and one of the long-running shows in the West End.
You’ll get a 19th-century vibe of France while witnessing the intense story of Jean Valjean and his nemesis, Javert. If you’ve read this Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, you’ll find this musical version an icing on top.
Some of the numbers you’ll hear include One Day More, I Dreamed A Dream, and the epic Do You Hear The People Sing?
Pro Tip:
Book in advance so you can get your desired seat, especially since this show is popular.
Oliver!
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Website: https://www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk/
Where to watch: Gielgud Theatre
Address: Shaftesbury Ave
Contact Details: +443444825151
Admission Costs: Starts from £23
Watching with your family? Then better catch Oliver! Musical. Prepare yourself, though, because it’s a rollercoaster of emotions.
This masterpiece was originally written by Charles Dickens but put to the stage by Lionel Bart. It’s about a young orphan named Oliver Twist, who experienced poverty and hardship while seeking for place and love.
Some of the songs lined up for this show are Oom Pah Pah, Food Glorious Food, and You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two. This 2-hour and 40-minute musical will make you reflect on life.
Pro Tip:
Familiarise yourself with the story beforehand so you can better appreciate this great show.
The Lion King
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Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/lyceum-theatre/
Address: 21 Wellington St
Contact Details: 1800 1 0333 009 5399
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £34
If you and your kids love Simba, then this musical will make you love this even more. Brought to life by Julie Taymor, catch this award-winning title live!
Get an awesome Circle of Life opening with giraffes, hyenas and other animals. You’ll also witness the well-known Hakuna Matata and the romantic Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
If you’re with kids, note that the minimum age allowed is 3 years old. Likewise, all guests under 16 years old should come and sit with an adult.
Pro Tip:
There is some strobe lighting during the performance, so you may want to sit further away if you’re prone to sensory overload.
Hamilton
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Website: https://www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk/
Where to watch: Victoria Palace Theatre
Address: 126 Victoria St
Contact Details: +443444825151
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 7.30 PM
Admission Costs: From £23
If you want a more historic show, Hamilton deserves to be on your list. This world-famous story tells how Alexander Hamilton became George Washington’s right-hand man and soon became America’s Founding Father.
One great thing about this show is that it has a mix of music genres from jazz to Broadway and hip-hop, to name a few. It’s also interesting to see why it received more than 10 awards from the Tony and the Olivier Awards.
The total running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. If you’re bringing children, only those 10 years old and above are allowed.
Pro Tip:
Book early so you can secure the nice seats, particularly rows C-P in the Stalls or rows C-H in the Royal Circle.
Hadestown
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Website: https://thelyrictheatre.co.uk/
Where to watch: Lyric Theatre
Address: 29 Shaftesbury Ave
Contact Details: +443303334812
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £39.50
For those invested in Greek mythology, this reimagination of Orpheus and Eurydice’s young love is such a steal. Most viewers love the twist, which will really hit you hard.
Aside from the two lovebirds, Hades and Persephone play a significant role in the play, showing the complexities of relationships. This will make you ponder and think twice about your insecurities.
Also, make sure not to miss the famous song, Wait for Me! I’m coming! The melodies of this and other musical scores in this show will surely sway you.
Given the fact that it’s one of the long-awaited musicals in the West End, make sure to catch it. You’ll have more of an experience rather than just a mere show that’ll leave you thinking even after the final bow.
Pro Tip:
Hadestown contains lots of symbolism, like the red rose, so make sure to keep an eye on it for better story appreciation.
The Wicked
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Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/apollo-victoria-theatre/
Where to watch: Apollo Victoria Theatre
Address: 17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico
Contact Details: 1800 1 0333 009 5399
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:45 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £25
You might have heard The Wicked film making noise lately, but we’re telling you that seeing it live is a totally whole new level of experience. This longest-running musical show in West End history and is definitely a must-see.
The story revolves around the friendship of Glinda and Elphaba and how they separated paths due to their choices. Both have great points of view that children can learn from. However, only those 7 years old and above are allowed inside.
The show runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 20-minute interval.
Pro Tip:
The show includes a confetti cannon, flashing lights, and a wizard’s face that can get loud, so make sure that you and your children are ready.
MJ The Musical
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Website: https://www.princeedwardtheatre.co.uk/
Where to watch: Prince Edward Theatre
Address: Old Compton St
Contact Details: +44 (0)344 482 5151
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Admission Costs: From £35
Avid fan of Michael Jackson or thrilled to hear his music live? MJ The Musical is an electrifying West End jukebox production you shouldn’t miss!
Hear Jackson’s hits like Billie Jean, Thriller, and Beat It with those thrilling moves. But beyond these songs, you’d want to discover MJ’s creative process behind his music. It isn’t just a hype, it’s an experience brought by talented casts.
Remember that the Prince Edward Theatre doors open 45 minutes prior to the show. Make sure you arrive early to settle in.
Pro Tip:
Don’t bring kids under 4 years old as they’ll not be admitted.
101 Dalmatians
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Website: https://www.eventimapollo.com/
Where to watch: Eventim Apollo
Address: 45 Queen Caroline St
Contact Details: +442085633800
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £34.50
101 Dalmatians is a fun musical performance led by Syndie Christmas (Britain’s Got Talent Winner). It’s also one of the shows your whole family can watch.
The story revolves around Cruella de Vil, who plans to make her fancy coat using dalmatians’ fur, including Pongo and Perdita’s puppies. The show is fun, but can be a bit weird since there’s a mix of puppetry to portray the dogs.
This 2 hours and 20 minutes show will make you tap your feet and laugh at some hilarious songs!
Pro Tip:
Puppetry is used in this performance, so make sure to familiarise yourself with how they bring dogs to life.
The Great Gatsby
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Website: https://londoncoliseum.org/
Where to watch: London Coliseum
Address: London Coliseum, St Martin’s Ln
Contact Details: +442078459300
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:000 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £70.00
Directed by The Carole King Musical director, Marc Bruni, The Great Gatsby hits the London Coliseum for a limited time only! Make sure to catch it until September 7, 2025.
You’ll be able to hear a mix of jazz and pop scores while telling the story of a mysterious, rich man, Jay Gatsby. You’ll also find out why he never joined any parties held in his mansion and what happened to his former affair, Daisy Buchanan.
If you want a more clever way to enjoy this musical performance, wear a 1920s outfit like the characters. It could be flapper dresses or any Art Deco-inspired wearables.
Pro Tip:
London Coliseum offers pre-show activities like drinks and snacks, so be there early if you want to enjoy them.
Hercules
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Website: https://thelane.co.uk/
Where to watch: Drury Lane, Theatre Royal
Address: Catherine St
Contact Details: +442039252998
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Admission Costs: From £32.50
If you love the animated film of Hercules, then this musical show will give you a better take on this story. You’ll go back to Ancient Greece and see how this demigod went from zero to hero.
You’ll even love this production if you’re interested in Greek mythology, especially the famous underworld god, Hades. Get to see how the director was able to set apart the underworld and the normal world in this musical.
Going with a family? No worries, the theatre accepts children 6 years old and above. A musical show for all ages, indeed!
Pro Tip:
Save money by purchasing in advance, which comes with discounts.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus
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Website: https://comealiveshow.com/
Where to watch: Empress Museum, Earls Court
Address: Empress Museum, Empress Pl
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 1:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Admission Costs: £38.00
Directed by award-winning director Simon Hammerstein, Come Alive! is a brand new musical production you shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most vibrant performances inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman.
Aside from the hits like Rewrite the Stars and A Million Dreams, make sure to appreciate the circus stars from the West End. Also, don’t miss the pre-show experience that includes drinks and snacks.
This performance only lasts for 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is shorter than the other shows. But heads up! The choreographer, lighting director and music producer are all reputable ( they’ve worked with Taylor Swift and Adele before)!
Pro Tip:
You can interact with the characters before the show starts, which will give you a glimpse of each role.
